WL and Lafayette city councils implement buffer yard ordinance

Both city councils in Lafayette and West Lafayette approved a buffer yard ordinance that will help address noise complaints.

Posted: Jun 5, 2018 11:50 PM

Posted By: Alexis Moberger

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - Both city councils in Lafayette and West Lafayette approved a buffer yard ordinance that will help address noise complaints.

The ordinance was put in place after a West Lafayette homeowner had a noise complaint from a neighboring business. The city's hands were tied because there were no codes to address the issue.

The ordinance states that all new developments need to put in evergreen trees that reach eight feet as a buffer zone.

The ordinance also states any loading zones near homes need to put up a wall. The buffer yard also helps cover up noise from construction trucks.

"When you have trucks idling, it's sometimes a refrigerated freight for instance, that can't turn off the vehicle," said Bryce Patz with West Lafayette's Department of Development. "So, having something there - that kind of blocks that noise while they run."

City leaders said police will enforce and monitor the buffer yard zones.

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